RP, Australia open defense talks

RP, Australia open defense talks

PHILIPPINES: Philippine and Australian officials opened on
Wednesday a two-day meeting aimed at expanding defense
cooperation including in maritime security and military training.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Alejandro Melchor and
Australian Defense Department assistant secretary Ben Coleman
headed the second meeting of the Philippine-Australia defense
cooperation working group, bringing together experts and planners
of the two countries.

The meeting will focus on how the two countries can contribute
to "maritime security, capacity and capability building, military
training and educational exchanges," a statement from the local
defense office said.

There was also an exchange of views on "reform initiatives in
the Philippine military to which Australia has signified interest
and support," the statement added.

Australia has been a key supporter of the Philippines,
particularly in counter-terrorism operations. The two countries
signed a defense cooperation agreement in 1995. -- AFP